Mourinho Drops Bombshell: Calls Chelsea 'The Biggest One' Ahead of Epic Champions League Showdown
José Mourinho has reaffirmed his affection for "his" Chelsea, declaring he will continue to be the greatest manager in the club's history until someone surpasses his achievement of three Premier League championships.
Now managing Benfica, Mourinho is set to visit Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening to face his former club, with whom he shares a complex bond. While his tenures at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur disappointed some fans, many still cherish memories of his two successful periods at Chelsea spanning 2004–07 and 2013–15.
Mourinho memorably branded himself as "a special one" during his initial Chelsea press conference two decades ago and adopted "The Happy One" moniker upon his 2013 return. Currently, he refers to himself as "The Biggest One."
"Chelsea achieved success before I arrived, then we began our winning streak, my squad continued triumphing, followed by new generations of players, fresh coaches, additional silverware, European honors, and the ultimate prize—the Champions League," Mourinho stated during his pre-match media briefing. "Chelsea has become a trophy-winning institution. I remain 'The Biggest One' until someone claims four titles."
"I regularly pass by this area," he added. "I've returned here with various clubs, so I won't experience any hostility. I can separate these emotions. They overlook my identity and focus on victory, while I disregard our past connection and concentrate on winning. I'm no longer blue, I'm red and determined to succeed.
"Naturally, I'll forever remain blue. I'm woven into their legacy and they're embedded in mine. I contributed to Chelsea's growth and they enhanced my development as José. Regarding the photographs displayed, few clubs embrace this approach, as many seem apprehensive about acknowledging their past. Sometimes it appears they wish to erase individuals who created club history.
"You'll remain my Chelsea until kickoff. You'll stay my Chelsea after the final whistle."
Enzo Maresca: 'An Honor to Face Mourinho'
Chelsea decorated their press room walls with images celebrating Mourinho's previous achievements at Stamford Bridge as a tribute to their former manager, who aspires to receive similar recognition.
"Facing José is an honor," Maresca stated. "He's an icon for this institution.
"I consider myself fortunate to already appear in training ground photographs with the Club World Cup and Conference League after just one campaign. The goal is hopefully we can all share these memorable occasions together someday."
Supporters haven't yet chanted Maresca's name—instead, fans have begun expressing dissatisfaction with the manager following a sluggish season opening—but he remains concentrated on returning the team to its previous excellence rather than seeking personal recognition.
"I'd certainly appreciate that someday, but it's not my primary objective," he explained. "I'd be content if they chanted 'we've got our Chelsea back,' as that would indicate we're accomplishing something meaningful as a collective.
"Absolutely it would be meaningful, but if they sing 'we've got our Chelsea back,' I'm already satisfied. Perhaps eventually they'll chant my name even more enthusiastically."